A look at some of the ways foreign workers can gain employment in Canada

In areas where there is a shortage of skilled workers, the government has attempted to create programs and training goals to meet demand. Here is a look at the ways foreign workers can come to Canada, and the Citizenship and Immigration Canada rules that govern their arrival:

Temporary Foreign Worker
This program lets employers hire foreign workers to fill labour and skill shortages for up to four years. Workers can be hired abroad or already be in Canada, but they must apply for themselves. Usually, employers must prove they can’t find suitable Canadians or permanent residents to fill the jobs, and that a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the labour market. Employers also have to demonstrate that wages are consistent with the prevailing wage rate and working conditions meet provincial labour market standards.

Federal Skilled Worker program
Applicants must meet certain levels of education, work experience and English or French skills. They must apply for themselves and have either an offer of arranged employment, experience in a priority occupation, or be taking (or be a recent graduate of) a Canadian PhD program. There is an annual cap of 5,000 for new applications.

The Provincial Nominee program
Allows provinces to nominate people who meet specific local labour needs. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to establish themselves economically and meet extensive health and security checks.

The Off-Campus Work Permit program
Allows foreigners studying full-time at a postsecondary institution to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week (full-time during breaks in the academic calendar).

Post-Graduation Work Permit
Allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain Canadian work experience, which helps them to qualify for permanent residence.

Live-in caregiver program
For people qualified to provide care for children, the elderly or people with disabilities in private homes without supervision.

Seasonal Agricultural Program
Workers may remain in Canada for eight months between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, and must leave the country once the visa expires. Employers must get a positive labour market opinion to hire workers.

Workers with lower levels of formal training
A pilot project so that temporary foreign workers can be hired for jobs that usually require secondary school or job-specific training.